In the past decade, the global mobility of skilled professionals has undergone profound change. Europe, in particular, has become both a hub of attraction and a springboard for outward migration. While much attention has focused on the influx of talent into Europe, our data at Relocately shows a fascinating story of where professionals are leaving from and where they are going.

For international moving companies, this is more than just an interesting trend. It is a window into future demand, a signal of where to focus marketing efforts, and an opportunity to better understand the motivations driving relocations. By combining our own internal insights with external research, this article maps the countries leading the way in professional migration and explains what is behind the moves.

The European Countries Driving Outbound Migration

Every year, we at Relocately track the migration patterns of professionals who seek our services. The above table is a visualisation of the data that we gathered. Looking at 2024 compared to 2023, and then 2025 compared to 2024, clear patterns emerge in the European countries generating the highest outbound activity.

France and Germany stand out as the most consistent sources of professionals moving abroad. In France, migration activity increased by 29 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, and still grew a further 20 percent into 2025. Germany showed almost identical strength, with a 28 percent rise followed by an even more impressive 31 percent increase. Together, these two countries represent the heart of European professional outflows.

Italy presents a slightly different story. Growth was more modest between 2023 and 2024, at 11 percent, but the following year saw a surge of 29 percent. This suggests that professional migration momentum is accelerating in Italy, perhaps linked to changes in domestic policy and broader economic pressures.

Poland offers an interesting case study. In 2024, activity actually dipped by 4 percent compared to 2023. Yet in 2025 the trend reversed, and outbound movements grew by 18 percent. This rebound indicates that while Poland may not yet match France or Germany in volume, it remains a significant contributor to professional migration flows.

The most striking figure, however, comes from Portugal. Outbound activity grew only modestly in 2024, at 8 percent. But in 2025, the increase exploded to 94 percent. This extraordinary spike signals that Portugal has quickly become one of the most important European sources of professional migration and deserves close attention.

The Global Destinations of European Professionals

It is equally important to analyze where European professionals are moving to, which is also greatly reflected in the data we have gathered.. In 2025, the clear winner was Europe itself, which saw an increase of 49 percent compared to 2024. This reflects the growing trend of intra-European mobility, where professionals move within the continent for opportunities, lifestyle, or regulatory advantages.

South America emerged as another strong destination, rising by 36 percent. Central America and the Middle East followed with increases of 15 percent each. These regions are increasingly appealing to Europeans seeking both lifestyle change and professional opportunity.

Not every region is benefitting from these flows. Asia saw a slight decline of 1 percent, while North America dropped by 4 percent. Africa and Oceania experienced sharper declines, at 18 percent and 21 percent respectively. This redistribution of destinations highlights the importance of regional stability, visa opportunities, and lifestyle factors in shaping migration decisions.

What Do The Broader Trends Tell Us?

Our internal findings resonate with global research on migration and expatriate preferences. Surveys such as the Expat Insider Survey 2025 reveal that Southern European countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece are among the most attractive destinations for expatriates. Their appeal lies not only in climate and culture but also in tax incentives and relatively lower living costs.

The Middle East has positioned itself as a major competitor for global talent. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have aggressively expanded residency schemes, introduced favorable tax regimes, and actively recruited skilled professionals. These efforts are bearing fruit, as seen in the steady growth of migration flows to the region.

At the other end of the spectrum, North America and Oceania are losing relative appeal. Rising costs of living, more restrictive visa regimes, and political uncertainties are reducing their attractiveness. For moving companies, this suggests that traditional migration corridors such as Europe–USA or Europe–Australia are no longer the dominant drivers they once were.